Susan S

Susan was looking for a fitness routine she could stick with when she enrolled in Yoga Yoga's Hatha Beginners Series class. "The moment I walked in (I was so nervous) I smelled the yogi tea and saw the smiling faces at the desk and knew this was where I belonged."



Born in La Jolla, California, Susan spent most of her life in the Boston area before landing happily in Austin 5 years ago. 

After a year of practicing yoga, Susan enrolled in the Yoga Yoga Teacher Training Hatha program. She went on to graduate from Hatha Level Two, and plans on continuing to the 500-hour training level. 

She has also enrolled in Kundalini Teacher Training.

Music has always been influential for Susan, so when she first started coming to yoga classes the music she heard piqued her interest. "I wanted to know more and more about those cool Sanskrit mantras that I was hearing." After some investigation, the devotional music of Krishna Das became a favorite. Susan uses mantra (chanting) in her Hatha Yoga classes, introducing students to the ancient rhythms and sounds of the yogic tradition. 



Intensive teacher training has contributed to Susan's own yoga practice, as well as deepened her teaching. She intends to continue studying yoga for a very long time. "After that first class, I felt I had found something I could stick with for a long, long time. I felt that this may be a start on a spiritual path and well as a start to a better life of good health and vitality. After the class I could not shut up about this new thing called yoga, as if I had discovered it!" 

You will find Susan teaching in the Yoga at Work program, bringing yoga classes to workplaces around the city. She loves this program because it makes yoga accessible to those who may not have the time to get to a studio. In addition to teaching, Susan works full-time in Yoga Yoga's programming department, a job that she loves. 



In her Hatha Yoga classes, Susan combines different Hatha traditions, so her students can get a sense of all that yoga has to offer. Rooted in the belief that yoga is for everyone, Susan encourages students to consider the various traditions and practices of yoga, and ultimately to follow their own inner teacher. Yogic philosophy is combined with mantra (chanting) and asana (postures) for a fun, eclectic yoga class. In Restorative classes, the practice is all about the individual needs of each student. Guided relaxation, breath work and supported postures contribute to a safe, soothing atmosphere where everyone can shed their worries, relax and de-stress.



The profound changes that yoga students undergo continue to be inspiring to Susan in her teaching and her personal practice. Many students come to her class, as she came to her first class, looking for an exercise regimen. Seeing these same students delve into the Bhagavad-Gita and enroll in teacher training is a thrill to her, and pushes her on in her own exploration of yoga. She says, "No matter how small the change is to the outside eye, it is profound to the student in their own special way."



The writings of Donna Farhi and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali have had a big impact on Susan. She is also inspired by well known Yoga Yoga teacher, Angela D. "She is an absolute joy of a teacher and connects so strongly with her students." Another great influence in the Yoga Yoga community is Sadani, who guided Susan in her advanced training and is a very generous and knowledgeable teacher and mentor.

Outside of the studio Susan enjoys reading non-fiction, walking with her dog Petey, and ,of course, doing yoga! Some of her favorite Austin spots are the Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake) trail, Barton Springs, and The Alamo Drafthouse. 




Click here to see when Susan teaches.

Susan Recommends:


Bringing Yoga to Life, by Donna Farhi